New Delhi, Jan. 21 -- India endured their first defeat of the SAFF Futsal Championship 2026, losing 0-5 to Maldives at the Nonthaburi Stadium on Tuesday.

Mohamed Imran led the scoring for Maldives with a brace, netting in the 12th and 30th minutes, while Abdulla Shafiu (22'), Ali Shamal Abdulla (24') and Ahmed Hameed (40') added further goals, as per the AIFF website.

The loss left 133rd-ranked India in fifth place in the standings with two points from three matches. Maldives, ranked 109th in the world, maintained its perfect record, winning all three of its fixtures to sit top of the table with nine points.

India began the contest on the front foot and looked lively in the opening exchanges. The Futsal Tigers pressed high and created ...